--- title: "Measles Outbreak Hits Lancaster County in Pennsylvania" url: https://newscentral.site/measles-outbreak-hits-lancaster-county-in-pennsylvania/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Health" published: 2026-10-30T10:41:51.000Z updated: 2026-10-31T21:59:08.829Z id: 7a35a10e-3647-49e0-8038-6ba472215ff6 source: "ABC News Health https://abcnews.com/Health/wireStory/historic-measles-outbreak-hits-pennsylvania-amish-country-show-137699084" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/measles-outbreak-hits-lancaster-county-in-pennsylvania/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Measles Outbreak Hits Lancaster County in Pennsylvania A severe measles outbreak has been reported in Lancaster County, with over 1,350 cases recorded this year, mostly among the Amish population. Lancaster County in Pennsylvania has been at the center of a severe measles outbreak that has left health officials concerned about its spread across the country. A recent visit to an outdoor market in Ephrata, Lancaster County, revealed a vibrant scene where Amish and Mennonite shoppers mingled freely with others from the wider community. The market was bustling with vendors selling colorful goods such as pumpkins, mums, and fry pies, alongside sports jerseys and Barbie accessories. The Amish population is concentrated in this area, making it the epicenter of the nation's worst measles outbreak in 35 years. While they tend to avoid civic engagement for religious reasons, their community is not entirely isolated from the rest of society. In fact, Dr. Diego Hijano of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital notes that "we are all interconnected," highlighting the importance of considering the interplay between different groups in public health. Vaccination rates have long been a concern among the Amish population, with lower rates compared to the general public contributing to the outbreak's severity. The situation is further complicated by declining vaccination rates nationwide, creating an environment conducive to the spread of measles. Pennsylvania has reported the highest number of measles cases in the country this year, with over 1,350 cases recorded, more than a third of which are concentrated in Lancaster County alone. However, community leaders caution that these figures may be underestimates since many people with measles do not seek medical attention. The outbreak has had a particularly devastating impact on the "Plain communities of Amish and conservative Mennonites, who are less likely to be vaccinated due to cultural and social factors rather than any explicit opposition to vaccination. The outbreak has highlighted the interconnectedness of Amish communities and their non-Amish neighbors in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County. As a result, many residents are taking extra precautions to avoid contracting measles, while others are showing a newfound openness to vaccinations. This shift is evident in the county's urban core, where suburban subdivisions adjoin Amish farms, and residents regularly shop and do business with one another. Dr. Anne-Marie Derrico, chief medical officer at Union Community Care, notes that the community's isolation is no longer possible due to their daily interactions. The nonprofit organization has seen an increase in Plain patients visiting its clinics in Lancaster City and surrounding towns, as well as those attending school or participating in other activities with non-Plain children. As the measles outbreak continues to spread through Amish country in Pennsylvania, some community members are showing a willingness to accept vaccines for the first time. The shift in attitude is being driven by the severity of the outbreak and its impact on local families. It's scary," said one resident, echoing the sentiments of many who have been affected by the disease. The speed at which it has spread has also contributed to growing concerns about the virus. Despite some progress towards increased vaccination rates, however, not all community members are convinced that vaccines are necessary or safe. One Amish farmer, Ephraim Zook, remains opposed to vaccinations, citing his family's experience with measles as a natural part of life. His young twins contracted the illness, but he believes it was a minor affliction. In contrast, some Plain communities have been largely successful in preventing outbreaks through high vaccination rates. A Mennonite market vendor reported that his community has had no infections despite being mostly vaccinated. The decision to get vaccinated is often made on an individual basis, with some people weighing the risks and benefits of immunization based on their own experiences and circumstances. One farmer, for example, decided to get vaccinated after several adult siblings contracted measles, putting him at risk of infection while working in the fields. Community leaders and experts agree that building trust and encouraging vaccination efforts is key to increasing acceptance rates among Plain communities. According to Allen Hoover, a former administrator of the Parochial Medical Center, the most effective strategy is to encourage vaccination without being overly aggressive. The Amish community's stance on vaccinations has been largely misunderstood as a religious issue, but experts say that is not entirely accurate. In reality, there is no explicit opposition to immunization in Amish theology or historical documents, according to Steve Nolt, director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College in Lancaster County. The Amish community in Lancaster County, where around 45,000 Amish and 6,000 Old Order Mennonites reside, often relies on traditional remedies and visits doctors infrequently, said Nolt. This is a common practice among many members of the community. This year's measles outbreak in Pennsylvania's Amish country follows similar outbreaks in 2025 in Mennonite communities across North America. Measles spreads rapidly through airborne transmission, including when infected individuals cough or sneeze, or by touching contaminated surfaces. A significant disparity exists between vaccination rates among Mennonite families and those in Amish communities. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the center, nearly all Mennonite families reported vaccinating their children, whereas approximately three out of ten Amish families did the same. Public health officials are urging caution against stigmatizing the Amish community or any other group for the ongoing measles outbreak. In fact, experts warn that misinformation and confusing messages can affect anyone, regardless of background or affiliation. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on vaccine confidence across various populations. This lingering unease has contributed to a decline in herd immunity, which relies on a sufficient percentage of individuals having immunity to prevent the spread of measles. Pennsylvania's kindergarten vaccination rate for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) dropped to 93.2% last year, raising concerns about the community's vulnerability to outbreaks. Lancaster County fares even worse, with an MMR vaccination rate of 88%. Data from state records reveals a disturbing trend: private schools in Lancaster County have lower vaccination rates compared to public schools. Furthermore, the number of students receiving exemptions for at least one required vaccine has increased significantly across both the county and state. Anti-vaccine groups have been accused of targeting the Amish community with misleading information. One such instance involves Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who spoke at a Lancaster County fair in 2021, claiming that the government was coercing the Amish into vaccinating their children. The recent measles outbreak in Pennsylvania's Amish country has seen an increase in vaccine acceptance among community members. This shift is attributed to efforts by local healthcare providers who have successfully implemented vaccination days at clinics catering to Plain patients. At the Central Pennsylvania Clinic in Mifflin County, founded by Dr. D. Holmes Morton, there has been a notable rise in successful vaccination drives. These events have enabled community members to receive vaccinations without feeling coerced or judged, contributing to their increased openness towards vaccines. Healthcare professionals emphasize that getting vaccinated is not only beneficial for the individual but also serves as an act of love and protection for the community at large. This understanding has resonated with many in the Amish community, who are now more willing to accept vaccination as a means of safeguarding public health. Ultimately, this growing acceptance of vaccines will contribute significantly to preventing further outbreaks and ensuring safer communities for everyone involved. --- Source: [ABC News Health](https://abcnews.com/Health/wireStory/historic-measles-outbreak-hits-pennsylvania-amish-country-show-137699084) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/measles-outbreak-hits-lancaster-county-in-pennsylvania/